Mice are far more adaptable than they appear, and their ability to squeeze through tight spaces often surprises people. A typical house mouse can fit through a gap as small as 6 to 7 millimetres, about the width of a pencil. This remarkable flexibility comes from their skeletal structure and soft tissue, which allow them…
Rats are far more adaptable than most people realise, and their ability to squeeze through surprisingly small gaps often leads to unwanted intrusions in homes and buildings. An adult rat can fit through a hole as small as 20–25 mm in diameter, roughly the size of a quarter. Young rats can manage even smaller openings,…
The UK is known as a nation of animal-lovers, and we take particular care in looking after our birdlife. Wild birds and their eggs are protected by law, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The cheerful sounds of birdsong delight us and the sight of a flock of thousands of birds swirling through the sky…
Everyone loved Tufty the road safety squirrel. His Furryfolk friends and millions of young fans adored his cute antics as he taught them how to cross the street safely. Little did they know what lay in store for Tufty Fluffytail because of a different type of squirrel. That interloper was the grey squirrel – and…
Just thinking about cockroaches can send a shiver down our spine. Even the word itself sounds scary and can make our skin crawl. And the idea of roaches scuttling around our home is the stuff of nightmares. The good news is that of the 3,000-plus species of cockroaches in the world, only four are commonly…
Warmer weather means more time enjoying ourselves in the garden or local park. These places also attract bees and wasps from spring to autumn, and they may sting you if they feel your presence is threatening them. Bee and wasp stings can be painful for a few hours or days but aren’t usually dangerous. However,…
If you’re confronted with a household pest infestation, it can be tempting to try to deal with the problem yourself because it’s cheaper than calling in professionals. However, misguided DIY attempts to eradicate pests can do more harm than good and in some cases be downright dangerous. DIY pest control can put your safety at…
Many common household pests pose a threat to human health. Rodents and a range of insects spread diseases, contaminate food, and trigger allergic reactions. These creatures make themselves at home alongside us in their search for food and a place to reproduce. And they bring with them multiple threats to our health, including: Salmonella. Dysentery.…
Tiny pests that can be a big nuisance Insects play an important role in the environment. They’re a source of food for other animals, they pollinate fruit, vegetables and flowers, and they clean up decaying organic matter. But when they invade our homes in large numbers, these little creatures can become a huge problem. Insects…
If you run a food business, pests can make your customers ill with food poisoning, severely damage your reputation, and result in significant financial losses. Businesses such as restaurants, cafes and fast-food outlets face a constant threat from an assortment of common pests. These pests target food businesses because they provide an ideal place for…